Postcard From The Road

Greetings from somewhere in South Carolina. My goal was to reach North Carolina, but I was just too tired when dinner time rolled around, so I stopped for the night.

Maybe I was tired because I mistakenly drank decaf yesterday at my sister’s house! I couldn’t believe how tired I was when I was driving yesterday – in fact, I told my brother-in-law that I was really ‘foggy’ when I was getting ready to leave. The same thing had happened the day before. When I called them last night to tell them where I was, my brother-in-law informed me that I’d been drinking decaf. (They have a Keurig and I put the wrong pods in there!)

No wonder!

My last day in Florida was an emotional one.

We ended up here. Little Z was not feeling well when he woke up on Monday. He was crying and vomiting. As the morning went on, Meredith grew more and more concerned. Little Z has a shunt and his symptoms were the same ones that can happen with a shunt malfunction. She took him to his doctor. Meanwhile, I was preparing to visit my dad. Then I got a message that she was taking him to the hospital, as recommended by the doctor. I heard the panic in her voice, so I got the address of the hospital and put it in the GPS and followed her there.

By the time I arrived, he’d been given something for his nausea and he was perking up.

Here he is on my lap.

After a few hours, he had some tests and was given the all clear.

Then I drove back and headed to my dad’s place to spend some time with him and say goodbye.

Very emotional – it was hard to leave him.

And hard to leave this boy.

I miss being near my family and when I get a taste of it, like I did on this trip, I realize just how friggin’ hard it is being so far from them. My sister, my BIL, my nephews, my dad….I miss them so much.

And Little Z? I fear I’m addicted to that little boy.

By the way, my sister is the most incredible mom. I stand in awe of her.

Safe travels Claudia. And, yes, it is so hard being away from family. Glad you were finally able to meet Little Buddy (and I do hope he is ok) and have time with Meredith, your Dad and other family members. And, of course, Don and the Dame are waiting for you!!

Have a safe trip home, Claudia. I’m glad everything turned out okay for your nephew. And I’m sorry for the goodbyes. They are hard. I remember them all too well from the three years I lived in California and would visit my family back here in New England. But soon you’ll be home with Don and your girl :)

I follow your sister’s blog and absolutely love her. Somewhere along the line I think I follow yours too. I recall the dollhouse posts so I guess I do. Goodbyes are hard business and can be tearful. They make us want to hang on, just a little bit longer. I read about the hospital visit with little buddy and what a relief that must have been when he checked out fine. The shopping trip to the fabric shop, what fun. I wish I could have been there too. Fabric is my next passion, right up there with yarn. I admit to being a yarn and fabric junkie. Traveling and driving can be exhausting. So much better to arrive home a little bit later than originally planned than not at all. You have a long drive, be safe.
(((HUGS))) Susanne :)

Have been thinking of you; if you’d like to swing by the WV Panhandle and spend the night with the one who shares your birthday the room is ready and Miss Bella would love to play ball and dragon with you!

Glad you made it safely to SC. It’s a long drive home I know. Poor baby, he is doing better and we are all so glad. I know how you feel about family. When my Mom, Dad and brother and family lived in Texas I would spend a week there and cry when I had to leave them all. Now we are more scattered then ever, but at least Mom is here close by and that means so much to me. Caretaking is tiring but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I think your sister is pretty amazing also. Safe travels my friend.
hugs,
Linda

We go through our day by days ~ missing our family and friends who are not close by ~ but once we actually connect again…… parting is so very very hard. The realization of how much we do miss them seems to be amplified after even a brief visit.
I’m sure Meredith was beyond grateful having you with her through that day with Little Z, as well as helping with your Dad. Her blog post about your visit and that scary day certainly showed that.
Take your time, and safe travels as you continue on your way home.

I can’t imagine driving that far on no caffeine! Glad little Z is doing better…I can only imagine how hard it was to say your ” see you laters”. Travel safely…hope your coffee will be “leaded” in the future! ;)

It sounds like an emotional few days for all of you. Meredith is missing you. You’re missing a all of them. Add in the heart wrenching emotions of leaving your Dad as he is growing older and I can only imagine how difficult this is for you. Be safe. Drink lots of “real” coffee and you’ll soon be home again, falling into the rhythm of your days.
Blessings,
Betsy

Well..no wonder you felt foggy Claudia..lol..I got so scared when I saw that tag..thank goodness he is all better now…I am so glad that you stopped when you felt to tired to go on…Being separated from family is so hard..I wish I could have such a good relationship with my sisters…Be safe out there Claudia!

Safe travels, Claudia. I don’t envy your drive, though I know it well. My husband drives it every spring and fall now that we winter in Florida and summer in NY. The dog and I are just along for the ride…but it is still a very long road. Strong coffee recommended.

Welcome!

I live in a little cottage in the country with my husband and dog. It's a sweet place, sheltered by old trees and surrounded by gardens. The inside is full of the things we love. I love to write, I love my camera, I love creating. My decorating style is eclectic but if I had to call it anything, I'd call it Christmas in Connecticut, after all those forties movies with comfy cottage style.

I've worked in the theater for more years than I can count. I'm currently a voice, speech, dialect and text coach freelancing on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theater.

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